Citrus Ambrosia Salad Without Marshmallows is fresh, light, and naturally sweet. This quick, no-bake fruit salad brings a nostalgic touch to holidays and brunch without feeling heavy. Made with fresh grapefruit, sweet oranges, maraschino cherries, and coconut, it's gently chilled so the citrus juices create a glossy finish, no Cool Whip or whipped cream needed.
If you love fruit-forward classics, you might also enjoy our Raspberry Cranberry Jello Salad, Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, or our Grapefruit Avocado Salad.
Ambrosia Salad Without Marshmallows at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
- 🧊 Optional Chill: 1 hour
- 👥 Servings: 10
- 🔥 Cook Method: No-cook
- 🍽️ Cuisine: American / Southern
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Baked ham, roasted chicken, brunch quiche
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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My aunt shared this recipe with us years ago, and it's become a staple at our holiday brunches. Every time we make it, we think of her and all the love she poured into our family gatherings. ❤️ ~Jami
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Naturally Fresh: Made with real grapefruit and sweet oranges instead of canned fruit or whipped topping.
- No Marshmallows: This old-fashioned ambrosia salad, no marshmallows version, keeps the focus on fruit and coconut.
- Light but Satisfying: The citrus juices create their own delicate glaze without heavy cream or Cool Whip.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It adds bright color and balance to holiday spreads, brunch tables, and savory main dishes. Just like this Southern Apple and Grape Salad.
Key Ingredients
This old-fashioned ambrosia salad recipe emphasizes real fruit and a simple balance.
- Grapefruit: Freshly segmented for tart contrast. Removing the white pith keeps bitterness in check. Love grapefruit? Try our Bruleed Grapefruit for an elegant brunch idea!
- Sweet Oranges: Sumo or ripe navel oranges add natural sweetness.
- Maraschino Cherries: Drained well, so they don't dilute the citrus base.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Collected while segmenting for the natural dressing.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (Optional): Adds texture and subtle sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional): Lightly glazes the fruit rather than coating it.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Powdered Sugar: Skip powdered sugar entirely for a no-added-sugar version, or add granulated sugar as a substitute.
- Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract for a more dessert-style profile.
- Spice: A tiny pinch of cinnamon gives it a subtle holiday feel.
- Equipment: Use a sharp paring knife for precise citrus segments.
- Presentation: Serve in glass bowls or mini dessert cups for entertaining.
How To Make Citrus Ambrosia Salad Without Marshmallows
STEP ONE: Prepare the Citrus
Segment grapefruit and oranges over a bowl to collect juices. Remove all seeds, membranes, and pith.
STEP TWO: Add Cherries and Coconut
Drain the maraschino cherries well and remove the stems.
Add the cherries and shredded coconut (if using) directly to the bowl with the citrus.
STEP THREE: Add the Juice and Season
Measure about ½ cup of the reserved citrus juice and pour it back over the fruit mixture. Add a small pinch of sea salt.
STEP FOUR: Finish and Chill
Sprinkle powdered sugar and a tablespoon of cherry juice evenly over the top and fold just once or twice to distribute.
Refrigerate for one hour before serving so the flavors blend and the coconut softens slightly.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Remove all white pith from citrus.
✔️ DO Chill at least one hour for flavor blending.
❌ DO NOT Overmix. The fruit can break down.
Storage
Store leftover Southern ambrosia salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This fruit salad does not freeze well due to texture changes. Stir gently before serving if juices settle.
Ambrosia Salad Recipe FAQs
Yes, ambrosia salad can absolutely be made without marshmallows. Early Southern ambrosia recipes featured only fresh oranges, coconut, and sugar. Marshmallows and whipped topping were later additions.
Watergate is a 1970s dessert fluff. It includes pistachio pudding and whipped topping, while ambrosia salad is fruit-based. Ambrosia typically features oranges, coconut, and cherries, whereas Watergate salad is creamy and pudding-based.
Yes, ambrosia is traditionally associated with Southern cuisine. Early Southern versions featured fresh citrus and shredded coconut served at holidays and church gatherings.
Old-fashioned ambrosia originally included fresh oranges, coconut, and sugar. Grapefruit, pineapple, and maraschino cherries became common additions as the recipe evolved.
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📖 Recipe
Citrus Ambrosia Salad Without Marshmallows
Equipment
- Sharp chef's knife or paring knife (for precise citrus segmenting)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Serving Bowl
Ingredients
- 5 large grapefruit
- 6 large sweet oranges (Sumo or very ripe navel)
- 1 (10-ounce jar) drained maraschino cherries, stems removed reserve a few with stems for garnish
- 1 tablespoon reserved cherry juice
- ½ cup fresh citrus juice collected from the segmented fruit
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional
- small pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
- Trim the tops and bottoms from the grapefruit and oranges. Remove the peel, seeds, and all white pith. Working over a large bowl to catch the juices, cut between the membranes to release clean segments. Discard membranes.
- Drain the entire 10-ounce jar of maraschino cherries, reserving 1 tablespoon of the cherry juice and a few cherries. Add the cherries and shredded coconut (if using) to the bowl with the citrus and gently fold to combine.
- Measure about ½ cup of the reserved citrus juice and pour it back over the fruit. Add a small pinch of fine sea salt and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar and one tablespoon of cherry juice evenly over the fruit and fold once or twice to distribute.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving so the flavors blend and the coconut softens slightly. Taste and adjust with a small squeeze of fresh orange juice if needed.
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Notes
- Remove all white pith for a clean flavor.
- Chill for at least one hour for proper blending.
- Drain cherries thoroughly.
- Fold gently to keep the fruit intact.
Jami Powell says
This recipe has been with us for years and it never lasts long on our holiday table!